Connecting non-traditional, regional creative clusters to global sector and research networks.

Over the last two years, Peter Rudge, Associate Professor of Motion Picture Industries at Staffordshire University, has led a programme of research into the development of a cluster initiative for companies and freelancers in the film, television games and animation industries in Staffordshire, UK

In March 2017, Platform, the Moving Image Cluster for the region, officially launched, supported by regional government, the chamber of commerce and regional economic development agencies.

Its mission is to lead the development of the moving image economy in Staffordshire, increasing its economic value, innovation, national and international profile and creating sustainable employment and growth.

A notable element to the research and development of the cluster is that it is focused on a region that does not have a large city with a track record of inherent moving image production at its centre. The region is a mix of large rural areas and small towns but is anchored by a university with a strong record of excellence in the moving image industries. The cluster therefore grew out of a different situation than the normal ‘creative cities’ paradigm so often seen in creative clusters.

Connecting Platform with other traditional and non-traditional cluster locations, from both a national and international perspective, allows new networks to be built that can add a different dimension to both creative, cultural and economic growth.

For rural and semi-rural clusters, the importance of advocacy and network building cannot be overstated. Developing global links for the cluster, particularly outside of the European Union given the UK BREXIT vote in June 2016, will be particularly important. Transatlantic networks - both to the USA and the Caribbean is a key strategic aim for the cluster in the short and medium term.

This presentation will focus on the importance of looking beyond the normal parameters for creative cluster development and the importance of international networking for regional creative industry networks.